March, 2010

DMV keeps 40 percent of organ donation fees

California residents have become used to seeing the question asked on state driver’s license applications at the DMV: Are you willing to give $2 for the promotion of organ donations? Are you willing to proudly display that pink “I am... (Continue reading)

Looking for transparency in Los Osos

By PIPER REILLYOn Friday, March 26th, the Tribune ran a front page article entitled “Potential Sewer Firm Under Fire,”  in which County Public Works director Paavo Ogren, in charge of the Los Osos Wastewater Project, stated that he was aware... (Continue reading)

Winston the dog; Dog Chews Bumper Off Police Car

[youtube duCiQXAk7Ck 600 500] Chattanooga officer Clayton Holmes says he was running radar on Workman Road when he felt his car shaking.   He got out and and upon investigating he found the bulldog “Winston” chewing on his patrol car .... (Continue reading)

Heritage Oaks Bank reports accounting error

Paso Robles-based Heritage Oaks Bancorp blames accounting errors for a recently discovered additional $1.8 million in losses for the fourth quarter of 2009. The parent company of Heritage Oaks Bank now reports a fourth quarter net loss of $3.4 million... (Continue reading)

State unemployment rate holds at 12.5 percent

California’s unemployment rate continues to hold at 12.5 percent, according to February statistics released by the U.S. Department of Labor. [Los Angeles Times] By contrast, the state’s unemployment rate was 10.2 percent one year ago. The new figures for California... (Continue reading)

Sex offender rapes woman at the dunes

A 28-year-old Fresno woman was allegedly raped by two transients behind Pier Liquor in Oceano on Saturday afternoon. While the woman waited for her family, a woman approached her and allegedly led her behind the store to the Oceano Dunes... (Continue reading)

A bank by any other name

American Principle Bank in San Luis Obispo is planning to change its name to American Perspective Bank in order to avoid litigation by global giant Principal Financial Group. Currently, American Principle Bank officials are waiting for shareholders, expected to meet... (Continue reading)

50 percent of Californians now support gay marriage

A new public opinion poll finds that, for the first time, more Californians now support gay marriage than are opposed to it. [Los Angeles Times] According to a poll by the Public Policy Institute of California, 50 percent of respondents... (Continue reading)

Details of superintendent’s relationship with student released

Superintendent Dean Smith agreed to resign rather than face termination for an inappropriate relationship with a former student. An investigation funded by the San Miguel School Board resulted in charges for terminating Smith, 55. The investigation found that Smith had utilized his... (Continue reading)

UC system to consider three-year degree; other changes

The University of California is considering dramatic changes, including offering three-year bachelor’s degrees and enrolling more out-of-state undergraduates. [Los Angeles Times] On Tuesday, the UC’s Commission on the Future heard a set of ten proposals aimed at making the 10-campus... (Continue reading)